Celta Vigo star sends Celtic warning ahead of crucial Europa League showdown

Celta Vigo forward Ferran Jutgla has described Thursday’s Europa League encounter against Celtic as a hugely important fixture for the Spanish side, with both clubs desperate to register their first points of the competition.

Martin O’Neill’s side welcome the La Liga outfit to Parkhead following successive European defeats, with Celtic looking to build on Sunday’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Hearts.

Celta have endured an equally disappointing start to their continental campaign, losing their opening two matches, but arrive in Glasgow with renewed confidence after defeating Alaves to climb to eighth in La Liga.

Former Barcelona striker Jutgla opened the scoring in that victory and immediately turned his attention towards Thursday’s showdown at Celtic Park.

The forward believes the significance of the encounter cannot be understated, with both sides looking to revive their hopes of progressing beyond the league phase.

Jutgla said via The Herald: “We need to focus on Celtic now. It might not actually be a final, but it is a very important match for us. The effort and intensity we put in against Alaves was spectacular. And we maintained it for 90 minutes.

“The win is a big morale boost for us because we have been playing well, but not getting the rewards. Wins give the whole team a lift and we need to continue this in Scotland.”

Meanwhile, Celta goalkeeper Ionut Radu has urged his teammates to approach the Celtic encounter with the same intensity and confidence they demonstrated in their latest domestic victory.

Radu said: “We have to approach each match with the same enthusiasm and spirit.

“We have to enjoy playing in Europe at Celtic because that’s what football is all about and playing with enjoyment and freedom is the way to get results. I believe the team is improving. We are growing, we need to find our balance more quickly in matches and start with the same intensity we showed in the second half. That will lead us to more wins and points in the league and in Europe.”